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Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho has expressed his belief that Kylian Mbappe deserves to claim this year’s Ballon d’Or, emphasizing that the award should honor the best player globally rather than simply reflecting success in the World Cup or Champions League.
Speaking to the media ahead of Madrid’s La Liga fixture against Malaga, Mourinho highlighted the elite group of players contending for the prestigious accolade. “The best players in the world, there are two, three or four of them, and we know who they are: they’re here,” he remarked.
Focusing on Mbappe, Mourinho pointed to the France captain’s remarkable individual achievements, particularly his historic performance in the recent World Cup. Mbappe emerged as the all-time leading scorer in World Cup history during the tournament, underlining his exceptional talent on the global stage.
Mbappe’s Pursuit of Individual Glory
Despite not securing a major team trophy this past season, Mbappe’s personal statistics have positioned him as a frontrunner for the Ballon d’Or. He concluded the previous campaign as the top scorer in La Liga, the Champions League, and the 2026 World Cup, a rare feat that distinguishes him among his peers.
Among his competition for the award are notable figures such as England’s striker Harry Kane, Spain’s midfielder and World Cup winner Rodri, as well as Paris Saint-Germain teammates Ousmane Dembele and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, who have recently enjoyed European success.
Mbappe’s impressive form continued with a hat-trick in Real Madrid’s 4-1 victory over Real Sociedad on Wednesday, earning him the spotlight on the front page of Madrid’s sports daily AS, which ran the headline: “Mbappe targets the Ballon d’Or.”
Mourinho reiterated his views on how the Ballon d’Or should be awarded: “You cannot give the Ballon d’Or to a player simply because he won the Champions League or the World Cup.” He insists that the honor should reflect individual merit, rewarding players who have made a lasting impact on the game.
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